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Church of St Fulk in Santopadre: the story of a village and Cavalier d'Arpino's two-faced masterpiece
In the heart of the medieval village of Santopadre, in the Ciociaria region, there is a building with a simple façade that conceals an unexpected history. The Church of San Folco in Santopadre was built in the 16th century to house the remains of the pilgrim who gave the town its name. Inside, its most significant feature is a rare canvas painted on both sides by Cavalier d'Arpino.
The art you don't expect
Once inside, the space opens into three naves. The atmosphere is defined by the 18th-century stuccoes of Mastro Carlo di Cesare, yet another remarkable piece commands attention through its sound alone. The 1728 organ was built by the renowned builders Caterinozzi. The church was consecrated only in 1742, long after its construction — a curious detail in itself.
The story of the "holy father"
The church is inextricably bound to the figure of Folco (or Fulk), an English pilgrim who lived in the 7th century. He stopped here on his return from the Holy Land, and devoted himself to caring for the sick. Popular devotion transformed him into the "santo padre," the holy father, who gave his name to the entire town. His body lies here today, in an urn placed beneath the main altar, with a Latin inscription confirming his presence.
Entry to the church may vary. It is advisable to check opening hours, which are often tied to religious services, with the Municipality or the parish of Santopadre.
